hypnosis

play

noun hyp·no·sis \ hip-ˈnō-səs \

Definition of hypnosis

plural hypnoses play \hip-ˈnō-ˌsēz\

1 :a trancelike state that resembles sleep but is induced by a person whose suggestions are readily accepted by the subject

2 :any of various conditions that resemble sleep

3 :hypnotism 1

See hypnosis defined for English-language learners

See hypnosis defined for kids

Examples of hypnosis in a Sentence

He underwent hypnosis to treat his fear of water.
While under hypnosis, she described the horrific accident in detail.

Recent Examples of hypnosis from the Web

Hypnosis-by-style is partly what's going on here, in other words.

— matt peckham, Time, "Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle," 28 Aug. 2017
The hypnosis broke when an opportunity to design his first house for a client lured Ledner back to New Orleans.

— susan langenhennig, NOLA.com, "Albert Ledner's legacy: New Orleans architect peppered the country with modernist marvels," 23 Aug. 2017
Spiritual Mindfulness FRI Techniques of self-hypnosis for stress management, guided meditation, 7 p.m. Friday, Highline College, 2400 S. 240th St., Des Moines; free, preregistration required (253-927-8888).

— madeline mckenzie, The Seattle Times, "Community calendar: festivals, fairs and more," 10 Aug. 2017
According to Smith, movies and Vegas headliners haven't helped hypnosis' rep, which makes sense.

— rachel nussbaum, Glamour, "I Got Hypnotized Over the Internet to Stop Picking My Nails, and It Actually Worked," 26 July 2017
For this record, the music was written in response to that hypnosis.

— troy reimink, Detroit Free Press, "Mo Pop artist spotlight: Foster the People," 22 July 2017
Bassist Brenda Sauter, drummer Stan Demeski, and percussionist Dave Weckerman have been with the group since the mid-80s, and together the five-piece have brilliantly demonstrated the endlessly renewable power of repetition, hypnosis, and frenzy.

— peter margasak, Chicago Reader, "Music / Pitchfork Day Two / Post No Bills Forty years on, the Feelies still cast the same irresistible spell," 17 July 2017
Back on the main stage, the evening's touted live performer Recondite transformed the suddenly sunny atmosphere into an unparalleled dark hypnosis, transporting fans deep into the fantastical brilliance of his layered multi-sensory productions.

— jordan diaz, Billboard, "Toronto's Electric Island Brings Different Dance Cultures Together," 6 July 2017
Curry's plans to buy a Bugatti were dashed by Ayesha's hypnosis.

— andrew joseph, USA TODAY, "Drake mocks Curry in 'Get Out' inspired parody," 26 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'hypnosis.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of hypnosis

New Latin

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1876

See Words from the same year

hypnosis Synonyms

Synonyms

hypnotism, mesmerism

Related Words

autohypnosis, automatism, autosuggestion, self-hypnosis, self-suggestion; bewitchment, enchantment, spellbinding

HYPNOSIS Defined for English Language Learners

hypnosis

play

noun

Definition of hypnosis for English Language Learners

: a state that resembles sleep but in which you can hear and respond to questions or suggestions

HYPNOSIS Defined for Kids

hypnosis

play

noun hyp·no·sis \ hip-ˈnō-səs \

Definition of hypnosis for Students

:a state which resembles sleep but is produced by a person who can then make suggestions to which the person in this state can respond

Medical Dictionary

hypnosis

play

noun hyp·no·sis \ hip-ˈnō-səs \

medical Definition of hypnosis

plural hypnoses play \-ˌsēz\

1 :a trancelike state of altered consciousness that resembles sleep but is induced by a person whose suggestions are readily accepted by the subject

2 :any of various conditions that resemble sleep

3 :hypnotism 1

Learn More about hypnosis

See words that rhyme with hypnosis Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for hypnosis Spanish Central: Translation of hypnosis Nglish: Translation of hypnosis for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hypnosis

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Examples of hypnosis in a Sentence

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Origin and Etymology of hypnosis

hypnosis Synonyms

Synonyms

Related Words

HYPNOSIS Defined for English Language Learners

hypnosis

Definition of hypnosis for English Language Learners

HYPNOSIS Defined for Kids

hypnosis

Definition of hypnosis for Students

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hypnosis

medical Definition of hypnosis

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